WARNER PARKS HIKING TRAIL SYSTEM EDWIN WARNER TRAILS ... · marking the site of an old homestead....
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WARNER PARKS HIKING TRAIL SYSTEM The hiking trail system of Percy and Edwin Parks includes 9 color-coded trails ranging in length from 150 yards to 4.5 miles. The trails in Percy Warner Park were started by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s, while those in Edwin Warner Park were started by the Youth Conservation Corps and Nature Center staff in 1974. All of the trails have been expanded, improved, and maintained by the Nature Center staff with the aid of seasonal workers and volunteers. In 1980, all Warner Parks hiking trails were listed in the Tennessee Recreation Trails System, so designated by the State Department of Conservation. Trails are open from daybreak until the Park closes at 11 p.m. **Please understand – The Warner Parks are a very fragile and unique natural area in an urban setting and can remain productive and enduring for future generations only if we respect and protect them today. Under the management of the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation, certain rules and regulations must be followed by all trail users: • All plants, animals, rocks, and other natural features are strictly protected and may not be misused, removed, altered, or destroyed. • Hikers must remain on the trail at all times. • All pets must be on a leash at all times. • Horses, motorcycles, and bicycles are not permitted on hiking trails. Enjoy the Warner Parks hiking trails and remember: Take only time and photographs here and leave only troubles and footprints behind. PERCY WARNER TRAILS The TRAILHEAD and parking for both trails are located at the Deep Well picnic area off Highway 100. Follow the lead trail and the Warner Woods Trail begins 200 yards from the trailhead, and the Mossy Ridge Trail begins 300 yards from the trailhead. 1. The WARNER WOODS TRAIL is a 2.5-mile loop, blazed WHITE, and rated MODERATE. The entire trail is in the heavily wooded interior of the Park, and about a third of the trail is in one of the Park’s most secluded regions. Also, hikers can experience a breathtaking view from the cleared knob of Luke Lea Heights at an elevation of 922 feet by walking down a paved road that the trail crosses (see map). 2. The MOSSY RIDGE TRAIL is a 4.5-mile loop, blazed RED, and rated MODERATE. The trail winds up and down wooded hills and hollows, crosses several springs and open meadows, and offers users a unique opportunity to see the wide variety of plants and animals that may be found in the Park. Two especially nice features are a short spur trail that leads to a “quiet point” (see map) and a steep, rocky ridge near Scott Hollow (also on map), with trailsides carpeted in moss; both sections have resting benches. THE CANE CONNECTOR TRAIL C. The CANE CONNECTOR TRAIL is 1-mile (one-way) with a CANDY- STRIPE blaze and rated EASY. Opened in 1997, the trail runs between the Mossy Ridge and Hungry Hawk trails, thus connecting the entire Warner Parks trail system. Following the old Natchez Trace, hikers should exercise CAUTION when crossing Old Hickory Boulevard. EDWIN WARNER TRAILS There are three TRAILHEADS in Edwin Warner Park. The main trailhead is located on the Nature Center grounds and is the only one that contains maps, trail guide booklets, Nature Center program schedules, and other literature. The Natchez Trace Trailhead, just west of the Nature Center, is a covered shelter with resting benches and a large Park map. The Owl Hollow Trailhead provides access to the trail system across from picnic are #6 by the Little Harpeth River. 1. The HUNGRY HAWK trail is a 1 / 3 -mile loop, blazed PURPLE, and rated EASY. The trail passes by a wet-weather stream and goes through woods, field edges, and an open meadow. Special features include a bird blind, an observation platform, a wildlife tracking station, and a well house near a small cemetery marking the site of an old homestead. An activities booklet and backpacks are available for this trail. 2. The LITTLE ACORN TRAIL is a 150-yard loop, blazed GREEN, rated EASY, and begins 200 yards from the trailhead. The total distance from the trailhead, around the trail, and back again is just under 1 / 3 mile. This trail has a self- guiding booklet with five stops designed especially for children aged six years and under, although visitors of all ages will find it informative. Of interest is the large triple-trunked Red Oak tree. 3. The AMPHITHEATER TRAIL is 200 yards one way, blazed BROWN, and rated EASY. It passes an old home-site and leads to The Nature Theater, a secluded stone amphitheater and stage that visitors may use on a first come, first served basis. 4. The NATURE LOOP is a ¾-mile loop, blazed YELLOW, and rated MODERATE. A self-guiding booklet with 20 stops is available to inform visitors about many trail features including a wet weather spring and creek, a variety of trees, and a section of trail that is the historic Natchez Trace. 5. The HARPETH WOODS TRAIL is a 2½-mile loop, blazed BLUE, and rated MODERATE. Hikers may begin this trail at any of the three trailheads to enjoy a rich variety of forest types–especially large Beech, Oak, and Cedar trees. Also cross a rock quarry that was active in the 1930s through the early 1940s when the Works Progress Administration was doing stonework and building roads in the Parks. Collecting fossils is prohibited ! Part of the trail, about ¾-mile, also follows the historic Natchez Trace. 6. The OWL HOLLOW TRAIL is a 1 / 3 -mile loop, blazed ORANGE, and rated EASY. Closest access is from the Owl Hollow trailhead. This trail was built in 1974 by the Hillwood Environmental Group. It has an informative, interpretive booklet with 15 stops. Enter this tranquil, deep hollow and listen for the Barred Owls that may be heard or seen here. Warner Park Nature Center 7311 Highway 100 Nashville TN 37221 615 352-6299 [email protected] www.nashville.gov/parks/wpnc Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation, Karl Dean, Mayor Text and maps by Deb Beazley, 1989. Revised 1995, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2008 The Metro Board of Parks and Recreation does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, national origin or disability in admission, access to or operation of its programs, services or activities. For TTY (relay service) call 1-800-849-0299. For questions, concerns or requests regarding the American Disabilities Act call 862-8400. Warner Parks Hiking Trails
Transcript of WARNER PARKS HIKING TRAIL SYSTEM EDWIN WARNER TRAILS ... · marking the site of an old homestead....
WARNER PARKS HIKING TRAIL SYSTEM
The hiking trail system of Percy and Edwin Parks includes 9 color-coded trails ranging in length from 150 yards to 4.5 miles. The trails in Percy Warner Park were started by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s, while those in Edwin Warner Park were started by the Youth Conservation Corps and Nature Center staff in 1974. All of the trails have been expanded, improved, and maintained by the Nature Center staff with the aid of seasonal workers and volunteers. In 1980, all Warner Parks hiking trails were listed in the Tennessee Recreation Trails System, so designated by the State Department of Conservation. Trails are open from daybreak until the Park closes at 11 p.m.
**Please understand – The Warner Parks are a very fragile and unique natural area in an urban setting and can remain productive and enduring for future generations only if we respect and protect them today.
Under the management of the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation, certain rules and regulations must be followed by all trail users: • All plants, animals, rocks, and other natural features are strictly protected and may not be misused, removed, altered, or destroyed.
• Hikers must remain on the trail at all times.
• All pets must be on a leash at all times.
• Horses, motorcycles, and bicycles are not permitted on hiking trails.
Enjoy the Warner Parks hiking trails and remember: Take only time and photographs here and leave only troubles and footprints behind.
PERCY WARNER TRAILS
The TRAILHEAD and parking for both trails are located at the Deep Well picnic area off Highway 100. Follow the lead trail and the Warner Woods Trail begins 200 yards from the trailhead, and the Mossy Ridge Trail begins 300 yards from the trailhead.
1. The WARNER WOODS TRAIL is a 2.5-mile loop, blazed WHITE, and rated MODERATE. The entire trail is in the heavily wooded interior of the Park, and about a third of the trail is in one of the Park’s most secluded regions. Also, hikers can experience a breathtaking view from the cleared knob of Luke Lea Heights at an elevation of 922 feet by walking down a paved road that the trail crosses (see map).
2. The MOSSY RIDGE TRAIL is a 4.5-mile loop, blazed RED, and rated MODERATE. The trail winds up and down wooded hills and hollows, crosses several springs and open meadows, and offers users a unique opportunity to see the wide variety of plants and animals that may be found in the Park. Two especially nice features are a short spur trail that leads to a “quiet point” (see map) and a steep, rocky ridge near Scott Hollow (also on map), with trailsides carpeted in moss; both sections have resting benches.
THE CANE CONNECTOR TRAIL
C. The CANE CONNECTOR TRAIL is 1-mile (one-way) with a CANDY-STRIPE blaze and rated EASY. Opened in 1997, the trail runs between the Mossy Ridge and Hungry Hawk trails, thus connecting the entire Warner Parks trail system. Following the old Natchez Trace, hikers should exercise CAUTION when crossing Old Hickory Boulevard.
EDWIN WARNER TRAILS
There are three TRAILHEADS in Edwin Warner Park. The main trailhead is located on the Nature Center grounds and is the only one that contains maps, trail guide booklets, Nature Center program schedules, and other literature. The Natchez Trace Trailhead, just west of the Nature Center, is a covered shelter with resting benches and a large Park map. The Owl Hollow Trailhead provides access to the trail system across from picnic are #6 by the Little Harpeth River.
1. The HUNGRY HAWK trail is a 1/3-mile loop, blazed PURPLE, and rated EASY. The trail passes by a wet-weather stream and goes through woods, field edges, and an open meadow. Special features include a bird blind, an observation platform, a wildlife tracking station, and a well house near a small cemetery marking the site of an old homestead. An activities booklet and backpacks are available for this trail.
2. The LITTLE ACORN TRAIL is a 150-yard loop, blazed GREEN, rated EASY, and begins 200 yards from the trailhead. The total distance from the trailhead, around the trail, and back again is just under 1/3 mile. This trail has a self-guiding booklet with five stops designed especially for children aged six years and under, although visitors of all ages will find it informative. Of interest is the large triple-trunked Red Oak tree.
3. The AMPHITHEATER TRAIL is 200 yards one way, blazed BROWN, and rated EASY. It passes an old home-site and leads to The Nature Theater, a secluded stone amphitheater and stage that visitors may use on a first come, first served basis.
4. The NATURE LOOP is a ¾-mile loop, blazed YELLOW, and rated MODERATE. A self-guiding booklet with 20 stops is available to inform visitors about many trail features including a wet weather spring and creek, a variety of trees, and a section of trail that is the historic Natchez Trace.
5. The HARPETH WOODS TRAIL is a 2½-mile loop, blazed BLUE, and rated MODERATE. Hikers may begin this trail at any of the three trailheads to enjoy a rich variety of forest types–especially large Beech, Oak, and Cedar trees. Also cross a rock quarry that was active in the 1930s through the early 1940s when the Works Progress Administration was doing stonework and building roads in the Parks. Collecting fossils is prohibited! Part of the trail, about ¾-mile, also follows the historic Natchez Trace.
6. The OWL HOLLOW TRAIL is a 1/3-mile loop, blazed ORANGE, and rated EASY. Closest access is from the Owl Hollow trailhead. This trail was built in 1974 by the Hillwood Environmental Group. It has an informative, interpretive booklet with 15 stops. Enter this tranquil, deep hollow and listen for the Barred Owls that may be heard or seen here.
Warner Park Nature Center 7311 Highway 100
Nashville TN 37221 615 352-6299
[email protected] www.nashville.gov/parks/wpnc
Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation, Karl Dean, Mayor Text and maps by Deb Beazley, 1989. Revised 1995, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2008
The Metro Board of Parks and Recreation does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, national origin or disability in admission, access to or operation of its programs, services or activities. For TTY (relay service) call 1-800-849-0299. For questions, concerns or requests regarding the American Disabilities Act call 862-8400.
Warner Parks
Hiking Trails
